Here’s one you hardly ever see anymore, a second-gen 1984 VW Scirocco. Actually, a Scirocco of any year or gen is a seldom seen item anymore so it was a treat to find this very clean example. Located in Louisville, Kentucky, this sporting VW is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $4,950 with the reserve not yet met.
Translated as the “Mediterranean Wind” the Scirroco, based on the Golf platform, was designed as a sporty two-door model and introduced in 1974. U.S. versions showed up in ’75 and the first-gen version continued into 1981. Our subject car, being an ’84, is part of the second-gen that spanned the years ’82 through ’92, though North American sales terminated in ’88 when it was replaced by the Corrado. The Scirocco made a return engagement in 2008 but not in North American markets. Total second-gen production was just shy of 300K units.
Our 117K mile example shows really well though there is some weakness with the clearcoat in places. The seller adds, “The car is completely rust-free with the exception of one small area that is “surface rust” behind the rear wheel arch which I’ve indicated in a picture because the prior owner had on mud flaps – yet the metal is solid. The undercarriage looks amazing“. The seller states that it’s difficult to find an unmolested example but as noted earlier, it’s difficult anymore to find an example regardless of condition. I’d say that the biggest miss in the styling department is the rear bumper – it’s big enough to nap upon – its black plastic cover is badly faded too. The one alteration from stock is the inclusion of the GTI wheels – they really make this car!
Power is provided by a 90 HP, 1.7 liter, in-line four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels via a five-speed manual transaxle. The seller advises, “the engine is sorted and runs strong as is the clutch and all new brakes/brake lines” thanks in part to a $10K investment where the car was “extensively gone through” (that’s a lotta “gone-through”!).
The interior’s condition is as clean as the exterior with little sign of wear and/or tear. The usual ’80s angular design is in place as is the Teutonic, spartan, all-business flavor often found in German cars. I’ve always admired those designs – they get right to the point without distraction. The AM/FM CD player looks like an aftermarket piece but originality abounds beyond that!
What’s the market for such a car as this Scirocco? Well, if you like the Golf/Rabbit but want something that’s a bit more purposeful in appearance, and less econobox, here you go. Today, I guess the draw is that you just don’t encounter a Scirocco often anymore so a find like this stands out for that reason, as well as on its own merits. One of my best friends had a ’77 first-gen Scirocco (after dealing with an entirely unreliable TR7 for the previous seven months) and he loved the car, it did all that it was supposed to do with no drama. Show of hands, has anyone owned a Scirocco and if so, how was your experience?
Bid currently at $5,100.
Cool little car, somehow became a punchline on a Family Guy episode.
I am not a Volkswagon fan, but I would drive this if I fit in it.
I think the bid is a bit low, considering the rarity & condition. I wonder what the reserve is.
Suddenly,it’s now Scirocco Week.
That car has been remarkably preserved. The dash is usually falling apart on most of these. 1984 used the same running gear as the GTI so it’s the 1.8L with the close ratio 5-speed. Has aftermarket stainless exhaust another plus. I agree Jeff that rear bumper is hideous. At the very least collapse the bumper struts. The key to making any mark one feel like new is new door strike pins and a new passenger engine mount. We used to do them all day long. These were great cars for a young technician to cut their teeth on. And good money makers as well.
Another piece of Scirocco trivia. 1982 Scirocco was the only year for one wiper blade.
Incorrect. My 1981 Scirocco S has a single wiper blade.
My ’77 also had but one blade. Bought it new and put 110K miles on it. Loved it!
Not true. I had a 79 that had one single front wiper and blade.
Of the 2nd generation body style.
My 80 Scirocco also had 1 wiper blade. Check your sources please
Sorry, I had a 81 Scirocco S, and it had a single wiper as well. Great car, fun memories.
The first gen scirocco also had only one wiper
I loved the Mk1’s I had (’75, ’76, ’78) and enjoyed an ’87 16V for a while.
I’d love to have another. This looks like a nice survivor.
I had the Champaign Edition, White with a black body stripe and black clothe interior. The antennae hole would not seal and water would drip on the brain. Car would stop in the middle of…. freeway, intersection, nowhere.
I wonder if I could daily something like this? I’ve loved the look of these since they were new, but have never driven one.
Probably my all-time favorite car. Bought mine new in ’86. 5 speed. Commuted from Cape Cod to Boston daily. Regularly did 90+ mph on the Southeast Expressway at 5:30am. Noisy, high revving but oh so smooth and stable.
I currently own an ’87 16v in Tornado Red. Love this car but sadly has been sitting these past 15yrs due to personal issues and lack of funds. Would love to take her out for a spin again someday.
As this is an older post, I assume this Scirocco has moved on. I live in Louisville and would be interested if not. Please call with any information.
David
502-523-4622
Best handling car I ever had. Ortega Hwy was awesome!